UPDATE: One fatality confirmed in Sparwood apartment fire

Update, Friday 12:30 p.m. – Further information released by Elk Valley RCMP gives more detail into what happened during the fire at Ponderosa Manor, last night.

When crews arrived at the scene of the fire, one of four apartment blocks were fully engulfed in flames. Fire crews quickly gained control of the blaze, preventing the fire from spreading to the adjacent apartment blocks and green belt.

All residents were accounted for except one male who was later located deceased inside the burnt out apartment block.

“It appears at this time that the male succumbed to smoke and heat in the hallway outside of his apartment,” said Elk Valley RCMP Sgt. Trevor Tribes.

“The deceased male’s family has been located and advised of this tragic outcome.”

The fire has been determined to not be a criminal matter and has been turned over the Fire Commissioner’s Office and B.C. Coroner Service.

RCMP is requesting that all persons displaced or evacuated as a result of the fire please register at the Emergency Social Services centre set up at the Sparwood Recreation Centre on Pine Avenue. ESS personnel are on hand to assist those who require assistance.

Clothing donations can be dropped off at the Recreation Centre.

“Worthy of special mention are those residents who attended to the area of the fire last night with food, coffee and water for the firefighters and other first responders that were on scene throughout the night,” added Tribes.

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Update: The District of Sparwood has released a list of information for those affected by the fire and those willing to help out:

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Update: The District of Sparwood this morning confirmed one fatality as a result of the fire at Ponderosa Manor, last night. No further details have been released.

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Residents of an apartment block in Sparwood have been evacuated as a result of a structure fire, which started at approximately 9:30 p.m., Thursday evening.

The blaze consumed Building B of Ponderosa Manor, located in Sparwood Heights. At this time, the District of Sparwood believes the building to be a total loss.

Emergency Services have been set up at the Sparwood Recreation Centre for those displaced and in need of assistance. Word of the fire has spread on social media and many have offered their homes to those seeking shelter.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown. First Responders are investigating the incident.

More information is expected to be released Friday morning.

Building B of Ponderosa Manor in Sparwood is believed to be a total loss. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press